Marco Polo (2014)

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Dec 12, 2014
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 499 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 411 out of 499
  2. Mixed: 31 out of 499
  3. Negative: 57 out of 499
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User Reviews

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  1. Abyssus
    Dec 21, 2014
    9
    It is weird that this show got so many low reviews by hands of 'professional' critics. I think it is rather pleasant show. Of course, it can't be like GoT because HBO is not behind then. This is well written enjoyable show. Well done Netflix.
  2. dawin45
    Dec 21, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is the Asian Game of Thrones, or Netflix Game of Thrones by my point of view although they are not historically accurate, in some points;

    As I read some reviews from the top critics they only judged the first 1-2 episodes,and they thought Marco Polo was the center of the action like in most series,but the tittle by my point of view only describes that the events are taking place in Marco Polos time frame.

    Also there are rumors on the internet of a $90 mil. budget ,this also seen in the series that it has a quite large cast and also a lot of stage men and stage props,really liked that they got some trebuchet and a big wall to simulate the walled city those where not made for free by my point of view...also the fight scenes are very real,didn't a lot of stunt men there...

    overal 10/10 because it is a first series financed by an internet tv broadcasting company as this is they're first project...    … Expand
  3. OldGitGuitar
    Dec 21, 2014
    10
    Great show, high quality drama. Great camera work, costumes and locations.
    Shows how far out of touch the professional critics are from the public.
    Most are sheep, most just like to be mean and probably get more readers with a negative page title.

    My brothers coming tonight I think I'll sacrifice a critic ...
  4. isale8792
    Dec 20, 2014
    10
    like really? I just made an account to tell how awesome is this serie! I am already dying to see what happens for season 2. PS: I want to congratulate the staff because the scenary, clothes even the actors look awesome -they really got it right while casting-
  5. Zimzams
    Dec 20, 2014
    9
    The historical setting got me hooked, and i stayed for the game of thrones esque intrigue, romance and plot surrounding the court of the (very well acted) Kublai Khan. While comparisons to what may very well be the greatest tv show ever made are inevitable, and make no mistake marco would not survive a day in King's landing, the show echoes GoT's greatness. It is not on the same level forThe historical setting got me hooked, and i stayed for the game of thrones esque intrigue, romance and plot surrounding the court of the (very well acted) Kublai Khan. While comparisons to what may very well be the greatest tv show ever made are inevitable, and make no mistake marco would not survive a day in King's landing, the show echoes GoT's greatness. It is not on the same level for sure, but it is by no means a failed attempt, where GoT is great, marco polo is good, and more than makes up for it with the excellent CGI battles and kong-fu action sequences. I feel we've been spoilt a little by the excellant standard of Martin's fantasy epic, and we (or perhaps critics) should be less quick to dismiss quality TV for simply not being as intellectually mind-blowing as game of thrones can be.… Expand
  6. Jambrose
    Dec 20, 2014
    10
    I thouroughly enjoyed this show. It definitley has it's low moments, but they pay-off is worth it 100%. I enjoyed it so much I'm currently watching it again with my room-mates. Don't buy intop the critic reviews, do your self a favor and watch the first three episodes before you make your decision
  7. Madelyn2Pedler
    Dec 20, 2014
    10
    Loved it! Past tense because I watched all episodes. I'm sad that there will not be more of them. It is better than most of the garbage on T.V.
    The characters are rich with depth and complexity of emotions and traits. Diversity of culture with Middle Eastern, Chinese, Mongolian, and Europians paired with setting, costumes, and music make this series RICH and enjoyable to watch.
  8. Aillas
    Dec 20, 2014
    4
    Looks very pretty but getting through it was a slog. Didn't care about any of the characters. The plot was plodding at best. A big disappointment, I've come to expect so much better of Netflix.
  9. jameshca
    Dec 20, 2014
    8
    Great cinematic, but too much of sex.

    Very different from what I expected. I was expecting a depiction of Mongol/Orient society during the reign of khanate (customs, politics, military cultures and etc. ), which the show delivered - the trebuchet is awesome, but the kung fu part is too hard to stomach. A Kung Fu Master Marco Polo? come on... Why critics gave the show such a low    Great cinematic, but too much of sex.

    Very different from what I expected.
    I was expecting a depiction of Mongol/Orient society during the reign of khanate (customs, politics, military cultures and etc. ), which the show delivered - the trebuchet is awesome, but the kung fu part is too hard to stomach. A Kung Fu Master Marco Polo? come on...

    Why critics gave the show such a low score? Are we going to have season 2?    … Expand
  10. snorlax634
    Dec 20, 2014
    9
    I thoroughly enjoyed this show. I do agree with other reviewers and feel it needed more action. But all in all to me it was enjoyable, beautiful scenery, and had some impressive performances. Don't pay attention to the "Critics". They were bought and paid for long ago. Pay attention to what the Users think. I highly recommend this show. You will not be disappointed.
  11. snackbob
    Dec 20, 2014
    4
    Starting with the positive, the landscapes and costumes are fantastic, however i feel this has been desecrated with (from the majority) bad acting, and lack of action. There for the most part are monotonous politics scenes, perfect for anyone wishing to commit suicide through boredom. In series such as GOT, this is only good because the high acting quality. I must say on another note theStarting with the positive, the landscapes and costumes are fantastic, however i feel this has been desecrated with (from the majority) bad acting, and lack of action. There for the most part are monotonous politics scenes, perfect for anyone wishing to commit suicide through boredom. In series such as GOT, this is only good because the high acting quality. I must say on another note the acting from "creepy praying mantas loving uncle" is fantastic in both action and political scenes. He i feel made it, not marco polo, not the khan, and especially not the khans son. There is also a well choreographed fight scene at the end, (blind man also a good actor). There is just a lack of sincerity with most scenes; a false quality which can be felt with bad acting. Conclusion, better actors, more action.This series could have taken a page from the 'house of flying daggers': a fantastic Asian inspired film.… Expand
  12. Ramses
    Dec 19, 2014
    9
    This is actually a much better show than the critic rating would indicate. It's very entertaining. It reminded me a lot of the movie Mongol, so if you enjoyed that movie you will probably enjoy this.
  13. Burnside88
    Dec 19, 2014
    8
    I cannot believe the negative reviews this is receiving from "critics". Some complain about the acting and others all of a sudden think themselves historians but most both. I do not claim to be a historian, and maybe that is why I take no issue with the creative liberty. The critics complain about how boring the show is in one sentence, and then bash it for having "too much kung fu andI cannot believe the negative reviews this is receiving from "critics". Some complain about the acting and others all of a sudden think themselves historians but most both. I do not claim to be a historian, and maybe that is why I take no issue with the creative liberty. The critics complain about how boring the show is in one sentence, and then bash it for having "too much kung fu and sex" in another. Meanwhile if it followed the true story of Marco Polo it would not be much of a show in any case.

    Is this show perfect? No. Is it worth watching? Hell yes. I am utterly disappointed in the "official" reception this show has gotten. Do yourselves a favour critics and let the people be the judge of Netflix's series. A user score of 8.3 is much more accurate than the 48 of so called professionals. You should stick to sitcom reviews and eat it while you're at it.    … Expand
  14. Archit3ct
    Dec 19, 2014
    9
    Love this show... forget the so called professional critic reviews.
    This show has fantastic visuals and a great cast in Wong, Yune and Joan Chen!
    Netflix has given us something different and refreshing! Season 2 please!
  15. YayaChronic
    Dec 19, 2014
    10
    I made an account just to review this because of the critics rating, this show was amazing. First two or three episodes maybe start off slow but that made it that much better, Marco is played wonderfully, the king, the chancellor everyone just perfect. it makes sens that it took 90 million to produce this amazing show
  16. nms1215
    Dec 19, 2014
    9
    It's a good show--it has something for everyone. It has sex, violence, martial arts, religion, culture, intrigue, war, growth, and great character dynamics that always provides a creative foil... Everything. It has a Taoist tone that reminds me of ithe Buddhist tone that made me fall in love with Avatar: The Last Airbender. I also really enjoy the acting and characters--from Kublai Khan,It's a good show--it has something for everyone. It has sex, violence, martial arts, religion, culture, intrigue, war, growth, and great character dynamics that always provides a creative foil... Everything. It has a Taoist tone that reminds me of ithe Buddhist tone that made me fall in love with Avatar: The Last Airbender. I also really enjoy the acting and characters--from Kublai Khan, Chancellor Jia Sidao, Marco Polo (and his relatives), the bind martial artist 'Hundred Eyes', etc. Though it can be weird when you sometimes pick out an attempt to cover an English accent, the acting is still good.

    The intrigue is interesting and makes political and military sense (not too many "*really?*" moments). The show is a bit gratuitous with the nudity at times, but they usually tie it well to character development or political scheming (which too few shows care to do nowadays). Simply give the show a chance. The critics do not do it justice (do they ever?)    … Expand
  17. aviterra
    Dec 19, 2014
    0
    I can't stay awake watching a plot that goes nowhere and horrible acting. I.These Mongols look like they came out of a B-movie. Not even slightly fearsome.
  18. Bearslayer
    Dec 19, 2014
    9
    The only thing the critics are right about it that the main character is NOT Marco Polo. This is a beautiful series. Supreme quality and I have told all my friends that it is a series they should watch.
  19. andifoster
    Dec 18, 2014
    9
    I can't remember the last time I really 'binge-watched' a show - but I found myself watching Marco Polo whenever I could and ended up being gutted when I finished it so quickly! Yes, the pilot is slow but I've seen much worse - but after that I found myself drawn in to the story and absolutely loved it. The acting isn't great at times (although again, I've seen much worse - Camelot fromI can't remember the last time I really 'binge-watched' a show - but I found myself watching Marco Polo whenever I could and ended up being gutted when I finished it so quickly! Yes, the pilot is slow but I've seen much worse - but after that I found myself drawn in to the story and absolutely loved it. The acting isn't great at times (although again, I've seen much worse - Camelot from Starz springs to mind) but the scope of the project, the twists and the characters just draw you in. I hope there is a 2nd season!!!… Expand
  20. Thumbsdown
    Dec 18, 2014
    10
    Great story, fabricated or semi inventive, can't stop watching. Has great Kung Fu, Sex, Bloody battles and lots of Drama. There are many historical facts to this which I truly enjoy, as a history buff. I like the Main character, he plays his role well as do the other actors.
  21. hydrologi
    Dec 18, 2014
    9
    I disagree with the critics, and I hope other viewers ignore them. The show is thoroughly enjoyable. Just don't expect a show focusing on Marco Polo's adventures. This is about Kublai Khan, his court, and his rivalry with Jia Sidao.

    Landscapes are breathtaking, fight scenes are spectacular (particularly season finale). Marco isn't a main character that you would expect from this genre    I disagree with the critics, and I hope other viewers ignore them. The show is thoroughly enjoyable. Just don't expect a show focusing on Marco Polo's adventures. This is about Kublai Khan, his court, and his rivalry with Jia Sidao.

    Landscapes are breathtaking, fight scenes are spectacular (particularly season finale). Marco isn't a main character that you would expect from this genre (e.g. Tyrion, Spartacus, etc). He is just along for the ride and do what he's told. But the other characters, Kublai, Hundred Eyes, Lady Chabi etc. are interesting and played wonderfully. Can't wait for season 2. Hopefully the producers aren't discouraged by the wisearse critics and will keep making this wonderful show.    … Expand
  22. normanx
    Dec 18, 2014
    9
    For whatever reason, the critics saw the first episode and wrote off the series... Their loss. This is not your daddy's Richard Chamberlain/Shogun... this is violent, sexy, deviant and filled with peril and wonder. When "Users" ....based on a hundred reviews see it as an 8.2 and critics are at a mere 48... somebody is not doing their job. Watch it. Hate it, or love it... it is a veryFor whatever reason, the critics saw the first episode and wrote off the series... Their loss. This is not your daddy's Richard Chamberlain/Shogun... this is violent, sexy, deviant and filled with peril and wonder. When "Users" ....based on a hundred reviews see it as an 8.2 and critics are at a mere 48... somebody is not doing their job. Watch it. Hate it, or love it... it is a very dynamic series-portrayed in lush film production...… Expand
  23. kamiyamaninja1
    Dec 18, 2014
    10
    this was a very interesting and exciting series.
    I was extremely pleased with the story and quality of acting.
    Beautiful people and awesome sets.. at times breath taking.
    More shows should be made like this..
    The kung fu master was awesome and really added to the story line.. very smart adding this to the plot..
  24. ralphrepo
    Dec 18, 2014
    9
    Compared to GOT in its entirety? No. But when stacked against just GOT season 1? Yes, it holds its own. Polo has a lot pulling for it too, given the semi-historical and non-fantasy setting. Also, it showcases the able language and acting ability of Asian talent in what is arguably a fully English speaking production, without subtitles nor stilted "Fu Manchu" accents. In essence, probablyCompared to GOT in its entirety? No. But when stacked against just GOT season 1? Yes, it holds its own. Polo has a lot pulling for it too, given the semi-historical and non-fantasy setting. Also, it showcases the able language and acting ability of Asian talent in what is arguably a fully English speaking production, without subtitles nor stilted "Fu Manchu" accents. In essence, probably the first western made epic in which the central Chinese figure isn't portrayed by a white actor dressed in Asian wardrobe. Nicely done!… Expand
  25. PixelIntruder
    Dec 17, 2014
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It’s starts out amazingly well, at least it did for me. But by episode six or so you reach some absolute ridiculousness with a big “whodunit” where your seemingly smart protagonist goes around vulnerable and unreinforced asking potential guilty mastermind villains, “Hey, do you happen to the dangerous bad guy were looking for who’s trying to stay hidden, is very powerful, and possibly dislikes me? And if not could you give us directions to where we can find him? Please be truthful!!!”

    Then by that point the once quite large show of massive armies and wars between giant nation empires of legend becomes infuriatingly small and limiting. There is no interaction with “extra-level” peasants or army-folk or anybody, you start to just bounce between the same seven or so characters and a formula starts to stick out and poke you in the eye and you start to notice just how cheesy and B-movie the lines and dialogue actually are.

    Worse, with the great and terrible Kublai Khan character who’s keeping the entire show together, it unintentionally just becomes more and more apparent that the actor playing the character MUST BE in real life a quite jovial, comedically funny man, always laughing and telling a joke. And so the earlier well-crafted illusion of the larger than life, dangerous, unpredictable character slowly unravels (after already being gravely wounded in believability by a clumsy earlier physical confrontation with another character).

    Then the already goofy, cheesy, and cartoonish Kung Fu aspect of the show that has pulled you out of the good character drama from the start with a funny-looking blind Kung Fu master who spins around seemingly more than a man really needs to, causing loud whooshing sounds, grates on you worse and worse.

    And you can no longer forgive the show that the opposing force and power in this supposedly enormous scale opera for the great Mongolian Horde is confined to a unexplainably, scared, crabby old woman and a two-dimensional, run-of-the-mill, ever-so-flimsy, psychopathic bad guy that never has made any sense.

    And the biggest thing to bug the viewer’s mind is your lovable protagonist is an apparent, crazed, lady-stalker who becomes obsessed with a woman simply because she is the only woman on the continent to wear blue garments rather than drab, Mongolian-Horde-fashions, and likes to mysteriously ride out to the only tree that grows in all of Mongolia.

    And this unexplainable fascination continues on and on, made worse by the fact the show’s writers never give us a reason to like her. Not a one. They actually provide us with a separate female character who wrestles men that we love and would love for our protagonist to love but we’re stuck with some random girl who wears blue clothes and does nothing of note and who there is nothing remarkable about.

    Oh, and the continuous assault on the viewer with naked women and breasts gets ever so tedious. It’s hard to understand that the show writers don’t realize that most people have internet access and far more intimate stuff is a click away for most viewers. So enough is enough as it becomes very distracting at times from the plot, characters, and drama. (And not distracting in a “good way” even if you are a young heterosexual male viewer).

    So now at episode seven or eight with my protagonist having appeared to have “completely drank the Kublai Khan Kool-Aid” more completely than I find credible for the character and his arc at this point in the show, I think I have to pull the plug on Netflix’s Marco Polo.

    ADDITIONAL NOTE - The cinematography, musical score, the casting, the majority of the acting, and more is all very amazing. This is an incredible production in many, many ways. A lot of very talented people worked on this. It's just certain weaknesses in regards to certain aspects of the show drag it down, at least for this humble viewer.    … Expand
  26. Phix105
    Dec 17, 2014
    10
    I thought this was one of the best new shows that I have watched in a long time. The critics prove once again that they have no clue what most people like. It's not as good as Game of Thrones but I would rate it really close.
  27. nick14ch
    Dec 17, 2014
    10
    I had very low expectations after reading critics reviews but after watching the series I have no idea why it got rated so badly. It s true that the pilot isn't great and a bit slow but the show gets better and better. Production and costumes are amazing, the cast is great (although I do agree that the main actor is not charismatic enough) and the plot is gripping. Definitely recommended
  28. Ezekius
    Dec 16, 2014
    10
    Walked in expecting nothing. This show was way better then I thought it could be. I did not like the pilot, and it almost made me stop watching, but I stuck it out a few more episodes and the show got way better. Hope there is a next season!
  29. astralboy79
    Dec 16, 2014
    10
    brilliant...in one sitting watched the first 4 episodes, smooth flow. ignore the critic reviews, its one jem of a show....digging the mongol lifestyle, hot women, tensions and war. Can see its not a cheap show and care has been put into every detail including camera work, costumes, music. i wish for season II.
  30. nodesman
    Dec 16, 2014
    10
    I don't know what the critics are looking for really. This is a good show. If they want a mongolian Game of Thrones, then this isn't it. Fine. This is Marco Polo. Game of thrones isn't sufficiently Marco Polo. Your turn Critics. In other words - there is not much of a difference between this and game of thrones.

    Except in this show a lot more things happen in a single episode than does    I don't know what the critics are looking for really. This is a good show. If they want a mongolian Game of Thrones, then this isn't it. Fine. This is Marco Polo. Game of thrones isn't sufficiently Marco Polo. Your turn Critics. In other words - there is not much of a difference between this and game of thrones.

    Except in this show a lot more things happen in a single episode than does in GoT. It is very engaging and has a healthy balance of exciting moments and drama.

    The screen play is very good. It looks freaking expensive. The actors behind Kublai Khan and Hundred Eyes played in incredibly well.

    Some critics complain about the amount of nudity in it. There is no more nudity in this than in any other show that are running strong right now.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
32
#32 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
48

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 21
  3. Negative: 7 out of 21
  1. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Margaret Lyons
    Dec 15, 2014
    30
    The show is vacant and uninspiring, so much so that I'd rather fill my imaginary home with ball utensils than watch Marco Polo.
    Read full review
  2. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tom Gliatto
    Dec 15, 2014
    70
    A fun, body-flinging, old-fashioned epic.... As Kublai Khan, British actor Benedict Wong gives an impressive performance, one of the best of the year: You absolutely believe his ruthlessness, his power and his calculating thoughtfulness. As Marco Polo, on the other hand, Italian actor Lorenzo Richelmy, who looks like a more lyrical Emile Hirsch, mostly has to be put up with.
    Read full review
  3. The Wrap
    Reviewed by: Mekeisha Madden Toby
    Dec 15, 2014
    70
    Ultimately, once viewers overcome the sluggish pace there’s something for everyone with Marco Polo. History lovers will enjoy Googling along with the series as historical names and battles are introduced while martial arts fans will appreciate the intricately choreographed fight scenes. Although the series isn’t as riveting as “Game of Thrones,” strong performances and impeccable visuals make it worthy of a watch on a slow and rainy afternoon.
    Read full review
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